By Asking for Real Names, Google Plus Ends Up Being A Boring Social Network

I wrote a new op-ed piece that was recently posted on Mashable, that discusses Google+’s ‘real name’ policy. Google+ wants to have a certain view of their users, and that’s OK. If they want to have a very boring place where no one can use nicknames or other forms of ID, that’s OK with me.

Of course, what they get in return will be “lowest common denominator.” We use different account names, networks, and identities for different reasons; it only stands to reason that by requiring us to fit into Google+’s box, we will constrain what we talk about and how we share.

Please check out the post, and let me know your thoughts about what part of your own identity you share on Google+, vs. what you share on other networks.

About the author

Jamie Beckland

VP of Product

Jamie has been delivering custom web solutions for more than 10 years, and built his first social media community in 2004. Prior to Janrain, Jamie led the emerging media practice at White Horse, and has worked as a marketer and technologist with clients including Coca-Cola, Financial Times, Samsung, Wells Fargo, L’Occitane, The Brooking Institution, and many others. He frequently speaks about technology trends and writes for Mashable, Social Media Examiner, iMediaConnection, AdAge, and other publications.